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There use to be a time when buying Easter baskets was affordable. Now, it seems, everything but the kitchen sink is included, making them a bit high in price. Here are some tips for making your own Easter baskets using creative and ingenuous ideas.

A basket can come in any size and shape. Traditionally, an Easter basket is made of wicker, filled with brightly colored cellophane and, of course, the handle. You can make a basket out of things in your home. For example, a milk carton can be used. You can wrap it with brightly colored cellophane or tissue paper; attach a bow for the handle, and Voila! An Easter basket is born.

You can also make a cute little basket using a paper plate and ribbon. Make holes on each side of the paper plate; use a bright colored ribbon to insert through the holes; make a bow and you have a basket, similar to one you would use to carry flowers! There are so many designed plates available in your local supermarket. You can dress it up however you choose. Your little girl will love it!

How about buying a plain basket; take some pink or blue ribbon and weave it through the basket? You can cover the handle of the basket with ribbon as well. Instead of buying the cellophane grass; line the bottom of the basket with colorful tissue paper cut into strips – make a nest, so to speak. Fill the basket with whatever you choose.

It is doubtful you will run out of ideas, but just in case check online and you will find a variety of ways in which you can use a paper bag; and even templates which you can print out to make a unique and creative Easter basket this year. These tips for making your own Easter basket are just the “tip” of the iceberg. If you are a craft person, no doubt you will come up with even more creative ways to make this Easter a fun and exciting one for your kids to remember.

     

It’s almost Valentines day!

Mom, some treats for you this Valentines. Get your free copy of our Valentines Recipes eBook here.  Also, some cute stickies you can collect and post to your friends and special people on the internet can be found here. Left is a sample stickie. The HTML is provided, so all you have to do is right-click and “select all”, “copy” and then “paste” the code wherever html is accepted, like MySpace, Ryze and most popular social networks. Or add a stickie in your html email or forum signature. Have fun!

Happy Valentines! 

     

Name of event: Halloween Tricks and Treats Giveaway Event

When: Oct. 29-31, 2007 (3 days only)

Where: http://www.agreatmomgiveaway.com

     

Everyone enjoys jack-o-lanterns at Halloween, but it can be frustrating to carve one. If you haven’t done very many of them, it’s best to start out with a simple design. The traditional jig-jog smile and triangle eyes and nose are pretty easy for anyone to do.
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For most Americans, Labor Day signifies the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year (although many schools now start before Labor Day). We enjoy Labor Day as a great time for a cookout and spending time relaxing with family. Most people have forgotten the origins of Labor Day, which was a day to recognize the labor force in America. Labor Day had its beginnings the 1880’s, although there is a bit of discrepancy as to when it actually began and who started it.
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A scavenger hunt is a fun activity that not only provides a chance for kids to get outside before the weather gets colder, but it can help them think creatively too. There are a few different ways to do a scavenger hunt. Depending on where you live, you can have different kinds of scavenger hunts. If the children are too young to go on their own, you can team them up with older children or adults or even have small teams.
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Halloween has come under a close scrutiny by families over the last few years. Some have chosen to not celebrate Halloween because of the connection to pagan and satanic beliefs, others for safety reasons. It can be hard for children to understand parents’ decisions, especially when they see their friends going trick or treating without them or when they are not allowed to attend a party. The history of Halloween blends so many different ideas from so many cultures and religious beliefs that it could take awhile to explain it, especially to younger children.
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“I’ll get you, my pretty!” These infamous words were spoken by the wicked witch in the beloved movie “The Wizard of Oz.” If your daughter wants to be the good witch, Glenda, on Halloween, or would like to portray the wicked witch, here are some ideas on how to make either homemade costume.
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Ah, the 80’s. What a time that was. If you have a son or daughter or who wishes to recreate that time in the form of a Halloween costume, here are some suggestions.
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The hottest movie out today, which all kids enjoy, is “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Well, it makes sense that your son or daughter may wish to be a pirate for Halloween. These are not only fun costumes to make, but quite easy as well. So let’s make a homemade pirate’s costume!
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Nothing exemplifies Halloween more than a ghost costume. It is probably the easiest to make and can be as simple or complex as you wish. Let’s take a look at two ideas for a ghost costume for Halloween.
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Butterflies are lovely to look at, but it is even more beautiful when your child decides to become one for Halloween. Here are some tips on how to make a homemade butterfly costume.
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Children love Halloween, dressing up, getting candy and having fun, but adults enjoy it as well. There are many ways to make the party more fun for the grown ups.
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Making a scarecrow costume for Halloween is not only fun, but you can allow the creative juices to flow endlessly. This is one easy homemade costume to make.
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If you have a young daughter, odds are she will want to dress up as a princess for Halloween. While it may be easy to just go out and purchase a costume, it can be quite expensive in the long run. Making a homemade princess costume for Halloween can be not only affordable, but fun as well.
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Making a mummy costume for Halloween can be hilarious. However, if you want it to truly be a unique and authentic mummy costume, here are some ideas you can try.
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You know what’s so great about dressing up for Halloween? You can be just about anyone you want to be. Dressing up as a little old lady or little old man are no exceptions. These costumes are so easy to make. You just need the help of your parents to accessorize the look.
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Haunted houses can be a fun part of Halloween, but many times they are too expensive or too scary for younger children. A simple haunted house in the backyard can provide all the thrills while still having that comfort zone of home. A few simple decorations and a bit of imagination can provide an evening of fun. By making it large enough that kids and grownups can go through it together you’ll also help the younger ones feel a bit braver.
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Halloween Costume Ideas for Mom & Dad

Grownups enjoy Halloween just as much as the kids, sometimes more. It can be fun to dress up as a family, either for trick or treating or to go to a party. There are many possibilities for coordinating costumes for mom and dad. Some ideas can easily coordinate to the kids’ costumes, but they don’t have to. It can be a family affair or mom and dad can go to their own grown up party while the kids are with a sitter.
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Halloween Costume: Clown

“Be a clown, be a clown, all the world loves a clown.” Just singing that song puts you in a happy mood, right? One of the most fun costumes to make at home for Halloween is the clown costume. It can be as wild and as imaginative as ever. Here are some suggestions.
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7 Halloween Games for Kids

Part of the fun of Halloween is playing silly games. When planning the games, it’s best to keep the costumes in mind and plan things that will work around them. Games should be simple with easy to follow rules.
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Halloween is a great day for kids, but is also one in which caution and safety should be utilized. Here are some tips, some of which have been recommended by the National Safety Council.
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Aside from the traditional pumpkins, you can turn your home into a wonderland of ghosts and goblins.

First, ensure you have a variety of different sized pumpkins. Go for a family outing to a pumpkin patch and everyone can select their favorites. The large ones you can carve and decorate and the smaller ones you can place in the living room, den, children’s room or wherever you deem appropriate.
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Making your own Halloween greeting cards can be a fun exercise for the entire family, but especially for the kids.

There are several ways you can make these cards. One way is by downloading Halloween designs from the Internet and pasting them onto blank greeting cards. In addition, there are also templates online which you can print out and have your kids color for their cards.
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